Cute baby animals, corn dogs and the midway are typical sights at regional fairs. But at the annual shindig in Alameda County, you’ll see things I rarely see at such events: antiques and collectibles. And, oh, what wondrous objects they are!
Once again, I was asked to serve as a judge for the Alameda County Fair Exhibits Committee. It’s truly a great honor to experience the passion and creativity these collectors put into their entries. Nearly 80 display cases are filled with old cookbooks, Disney and Star Wars memorabilia, Grateful Dead and Elvis keepsakes, cowboy paraphernalia, inkwells, milky green jadeite and a whole lot more.
The Best of Show award went to a fabulous display of restaurant ware owned by Lisa Bunn, of Oakland. If any of you remember indulging in a grilled cheese sandwich or a bowl of cereal at an old-fashioned luncheonette, you will be instantaneously transported down Memory Lane by the logos on these plates and bowls.
Participants had to explain why they covet such collectibles and neatly label their entries. I was delighted to see how some of the exhibitors went beyond the basic guidelines to inform viewers of books, websites, even collector club news.
Check it out for yourself at the 103rd Alameda County Fair, which runs daily except Mondays through July 5 in Pleasanton. The exhibits are in Building O, the Minerals, Gems, & Hobbies Building.
Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Admission: $12 adults, $8 seniors and children 6-12. Parking: $10-$20. Learn more at www.alamedacountyfair.com.
Dine in grand style
Pamper yourself, and a friend or two, this summer with lunch at Montalvo, the 1912 villa nestled into the Santa Cruz Mountains in Saratoga.
The lunches, arranged by the hardworking members of the Montalvo Service Group, take place Wednesdays on the veranda July 8 through Aug. 26. Three seating times are offered: Noon, 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. Cost: $45. Reservations are required. Free shuttle service is offered. Details: 408-961-5858 or www.montalvoarts.org. Proceeds benefit the maintenance and preservation of the villa and grounds.
Afterward, head to the village of Saratoga, with its newly planted trees, flowering pots and charming storefront décor. And make time to stop by Benson’s Antiques at 14486 Big Basin Way and at Carol’s Antique Gallery at 14455 Big Basin Way.
Pioneer days
Fans of the beloved 1970s and ’80s TV show “Little House on the Prairie” will be ecstatic to find out The Museum on Main in Pleasanton is hosting “living history” actress Judith Helton on July 14 in her one-woman show, “An Evening with Laura Ingalls Wilder.” Wilder’s books taught Americans about pioneer life in the 19th century long before they inspired the TV series.
Catch the event at the Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton. Show time: 7 p.m. Admission: $5-$10. Learn more at www.museumonmain.org.
Tintype workshop
The Los Altos History Museum is sponsoring a class you might describe as picture perfect. In “Vintage Tintype Photography,” students (16 or older) will produce old-time portraits using modern-day tools and a gelatin transfer process. The results can be classic or wild — it’s your choice. Teaching the class will be the Emmy-winning Russell Brown, senior creative director at Adobe Systems.
The workshop runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 11 at 51 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos. Cost: $10, for museum members, $20 for nonmembers. Class size is limited to 20. To register, call 650-948-9427, ext. 14.
Contact Yvaska at steve.yvaska@sbcglobal.net.
